Undecided About Gall Bladder Surgery

I had had several gall stone attacks that I basically just put up with....then I had one that resulted in pancreatitis and I had to be hospitalized for 9 days. I was told that I should have the gall bladder removed asap as another attack could result in pancreatitis which can be serious. I had the surgery and everything went well, but I have continued to have some digestive issues on and off since...may be because of the surgery or because I had taken nexium for heartburn for several years.

I had to have emergency gall bladder surgery after a long evening spent in agony. My gall bladder was full of stones and the duct was blocked. I had had a few prior attacks but didn't know what they were. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I admit I don't know anything about "sludge" though.

Considering that I had emergency surgery, mine was fairly uneventful and I recovered pretty quickly: it took about a week or so, and I was 50 lbs or more overweight at the time. I really don't notice a lot of consequences from not having my gall bladder.

I agree that you should get a second opinion, but would strongly consider the surgery if the doctors recommend it.

I had mine removed after having several terrible attacks, went to the ER 2x before they figured out what it was. I unfortunately had a couple complications. Surgery in March '11 went fine, got out of the hospital, next day. Then a month later I had the same terrible pain again in the same spot, go to ER do a test. turns out that some how a gull stone was left hanging out in the duck that goes out of the gallbladder, that they usually leave there when they remove the actually gallbladder. So had a second surgery to remove it, released the next day, come back the hospital with in 1hr because of unstoppable vomiting/diarrhea, turns out my pancreas was not a big fan of surgery number 2 and I was in the hospital for days with pancreatitis. Morally of the story, even with the best surgeon manure happens, listen to the risks. Both of my complications were things they said only happens in less the 5% of removal surgeries.

I had to have my Gall Bladder out when I was 24, I was pregnant and having attacks about 2 times a week and because I was pregnant at the time there was nothing that could be done. Until the baby was born I was miserable. As soon as she was born I was so relieved to be able to finally get something done. Scheduled the surgery for 3 weeks post pregnancy and had it done laproscopically. That was 19 years plus ago, the only thing that I have issues with now is my body really tells me when I have been eating too much fat.
Getting it taken out was best for me, just wish I hadn't had to wait so long to have it done.

Recovery was also very easy, even with having just given birth

I had my gallbladder out about 6 years ago. I had the "sludge" you mentioned and some of the most painful gallbladder attacks I can imagine. WAAAAAYYY worse than childbirth, in my opinion. The surgery was very minor - outpatient and laparoscopic. I controlled the attacks with diet for 6 weeks before the surgery, but lived in constant fear of having another one. The pain was excruciating and the attacks only got worse each time. I have had no side effects since the surgery - no digestive issues, etc. Definitely look into all your options of course, but I found the surgery fairly easy (as far as surgeries go) and well worth it to not have to worry about experiencing that pain ever again.

I'm not you, and I can't tell you what to do. I can only give my tale.

About 15 years ago, it felt like someone had punched me in my kidneys. Got to the point where it was too painful to stand upright. Next day (Fri) I went to the doctor's office. (my dr was out of town for a week or so, but Nurse Practitioner was in.) They ran all the tests, did x-rays...the only thing they saw was an elevated WBC. Sent me home with a script for antibiotics & "If you don't feel better, come back Monday." Well...that night I came down with the rip-roaring flu! Back in the office on Monday am. Saw another doctor, he re-ran the tests & the WBC was lower (ya, been on meds all weekend!) but he looked at me & said "You are not my patient, but I can TELL you aren't right. Something is wrong." He attempted an abdominal palpitation & I about jumped off the table. Sent me for an ultrasound the next day, 2 days later, back in the office where the diagnosis was back: gall stones. Now, I've never had digestives issues ever before. Don't know how it happened, how long I had them...all I know is I was in PAIN! Few days later I was sitting in the surgeon's office & my surgery was scheduled for 12/27/99. I had the laparoscopic surgery, out for a week after, and I never looked back since. I even had a tattoo put over 1 of my scars!

Any time you go for surgery it is a heavy decision to make. Just inform yourself, talk it out, weigh the pros/cons...in the end, make the best choice for you. Good luck!

I had mine out because I had sand (yup sand) in mine.
My issue was pain along with gastro issues.
I had it out and finally began feeling better.

I did notice that since surgery I could not eat iceberg lettuce as I would immediately spend the next hour in the bathroom.
That has since stopped as long as I limit iceberg lettuce in my diet.
Other dark green leafy lettuce were ok.

I'm glad you are seeking a 2nd opinion, that is so important.

Like the others have said, it will only get worse. Get it done now while it can be done laproscopically. If it gets really bad they have to do the more invasive surgery, which has a much longer recovery time. I hope you are on the road to feeling better soon!

have had mine out for 5 years no problems your body will adjust better than having that pain.

I'm sort of on the same boat. Though instead of 'sludge' the doctor said that i have small mobile stones. I've had quite a few attacks and the one i had the worse i ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks (mostly because the hospital was busy and couldn't deal with me). They suggested i have it out. So i did research and decided that, though there are very few cases that the surgery goes wrong or ends up with negative side effects, i'd keep it and try my best to change my diet. Afterall, I would have to after removing it anyways! Might as well keep it and try. it's a body part you can't get back.

Since i made that choice, i've had small attacks but not nearly as bad as before. I had an ercp so they cut the tube a bit bigger so that could be helping.... that or the fact that i've been taking T3 every time the symptoms come up. I find it helps my body relax and lets the stones pass or go away or whatnot.

It's all up to you though of course! Goodluck!

Go for the 2nd opinion if you need it. I had one severe attack which had me at the ER at 430am, and I couldn't keep water down nor stand straight for a week. I had a stone impacted in the duct, and thankfully it fell back into the gallbladder so I could recover.
My Dr scheduled the operation as needed, and one opinion was all I needed.

I had mine out about 3 mths later, laproscopic, fast recovery. Even went to a Rollinsband concert a week and a half later.
My digestion was a bit funny immediately after, but only when I ate too much fat. That was at least 12 years ago now, and I don't suffer any ill effects.

Good luck, I hope you stay well!

I had my gallbladder out laparoscopically 6 weeks ago today. I had severe problems from Oct. Thru Feb. I had negative ultrasound hidascan unrelated findings on egd & colonoscopy. I saw the surgeon who I know from other surgeries for 15 yrs. I had been told no sludge no stones etc. Ghe surgeon said take gb out cuz I was sick during hida scan and you sjould not be sick during hida scan. I could not eat nothing. I was miserable dailywas down to eating a grilled chicken breast and an apple a day. I had extreme pain like labor like my stomach was do full of air. Nausea bloating gas you name it. I had no guaranty it would work. The feeling that someone is crushing me pressure is gone but I still am adjusting to no gallbladder and pribsbly have other issues. Your body after gallbladder removal will have to be on low fat diet for 6 werks or you will need to be attached to restroom. Im at 6 weeks and still cant eat and leave house but it is an improvement. I believe 30% of ppl have continued issues.

Regarding your situation, the second opinion 95% of the time agrees with the first they are both surgeons thats what they do, surgery. I worked at surgeons ofc for 10 yrs.... It sounds like you, the surgeon and your primary Dr arent quite there yet. Its a big decision. Its not as big a surgery as it used to be but it is still a major operation. This is your body do you really want to remove an organ because maybe it what caused it? Ask if an addtl test would be more decisive. Hidascan if you have insurance. Who wants test but... who really eants to chsnge permanently the way their body works??? Mine was due to an ectremely narrow common bile duct. The bile couldnt pass thru the gallbladder and the cbd so the gallbladder would go into masdive spasms from the clog. They couldnt even scope my cbd during my surgery. The dr said this was the cause of my issues. Goodluck discussing with your drs and making the right decision for you.